Refrigeration appliance cabinet assembly

ABSTRACT

A cabinet assembly for a refrigerating appliance includes an inner liner having a forward liner edge. The forward liner edge defines an access opening. An outer wrapper is disposed around the inner liner and has a forward wrapper edge. The outer wrapper is spaced-apart from the inner liner to define an insulating cavity therebetween. A mullion assembly extends across the access opening. A trim breaker extends about the access opening and is coupled to the forward wrapper edge and the forward liner edge to seal the insulating cavity. The trim breaker includes a spacing flange positioned to contact the mullion assembly to define a receiving space between the trim breaker and the mullion assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a cabinet assembly for arefrigeration appliance, and more specifically, to a cabinet assemblyfor a refrigeration appliance including a reinforcing assembly and atrim breaker.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeratingappliance includes a cabinet assembly having an outer wrapper withopposing first and second outer sidewalls and a forward wrapper edge.The cabinet assembly further includes an inner liner having opposingfirst and second inner sidewalls and a forward liner edge. The forwardliner edge defines an access opening, and the inner liner is positionedinterior of and spaced-apart from the outer wrapper to define aninsulating cavity therebetween. A mullion assembly extends across theaccess opening. A trim breaker extends about the access opening andincludes a body portion interconnecting the first and second outersidewalls of the outer wrapper and the first and second inner sidewallsof the inner liner, respectively. The trim breaker further includesfirst and second connecting flanges extending outwardly from the bodyportion of the trim breaker in a first direction and operably coupled tothe forward liner edge and the forward wrapper edge, respectively, suchthat the trim breaker seals the insulating cavity. The trim breakerincludes a forward spacing flange extending outwardly from the bodyportion of the trim breaker in a second direction that is opposed to thefirst direction of the first and second connecting flanges. The forwardspacing flange contacts the mullion assembly and at least partiallydefines a receiving space between the mullion assembly and the trimbreaker.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeratingappliance includes an outer wrapper having a forward wrapper edge. Aninner liner defines first and second compartments and has a forwardliner edge. The forward liner edge defines an access opening incommunication with the first and second compartments. The inner liner isspaced-apart from the outer wrapper to define an insulating cavitytherebetween. A mullion assembly is disposed between the first andsecond compartments of the inner liner and extending across the accessopening of the inner liner. A trim breaker extends about the accessopening and seals the insulating cavity. The trim breaker includes aconnecting flange coupled to one of the forward liner edge and theforward wrapper edge. The trim breaker further includes a spacing flangeextending forward of the connecting flange to contact the mullionassembly and at least partially defines a receiving space between themullion assembly and the trim breaker.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a cabinetassembly for a refrigerating appliance includes an inner liner having aforward liner edge. The forward liner edge defines an access opening. Anouter wrapper is disposed around the inner liner and has a forwardwrapper edge. The outer wrapper is spaced-apart from the inner liner todefine an insulating cavity therebetween. A mullion assembly extendsacross the access opening. A trim breaker extends about the accessopening and is coupled to the forward wrapper edge and the forward lineredge to seal the insulating cavity. The trim breaker includes a spacingflange positioned to contact the mullion assembly to define a receivingspace between the trim breaker and the mullion assembly.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentdisclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilledin the art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an appliance, according to variousexamples;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the appliance of FIG. 1 shownwithout door assemblies, according to various examples;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side perspective view of hinge assemblies of theappliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG.3 to illustrate a trim breaker, according to various examples; and

FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the cross-section of FIG. 6A.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations ofmethod steps and apparatus components related to a trim breaker for arefrigerating appliance. Accordingly, the apparatus components andmethod steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventionalsymbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that arepertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure soas not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thedescription herein. Further, like numerals in the description anddrawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unlessstated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of theelement closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer tothe surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, itis to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not,without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6B, reference numeral 10 generally designates acabinet assembly for a refrigerating appliance 12. The cabinet assembly10 includes a cabinet 14 including an outer wrapper 16 having opposingfirst and second outer sidewalls 18, 20 and a forward wrapper edge 22.An inner liner 24 defines a first compartment 26 and a secondcompartment 28 and has first and second inner sidewalls 30, 32 and aforward liner edge 34. The forward liner edge 34 defines the accessopening 36 in communication with the first and second compartments 26,28. The inner liner 24 is positioned interior of and spaced-apart fromthe outer wrapper 16 to define an insulating cavity 38 therebetween. Theinsulating cavity 38 may be under at least a partial vacuum. A mullionassembly 40 is disposed between the first and second compartments 26, 28and extends across the access opening 36. A trim breaker 42 extendsabout the access opening 36 and is operably coupled with the outerwrapper 16 and the inner liner 24. The trim breaker 42 includes a bodyportion 44 positioned perpendicular to the first and second outersidewalls 18, 20 of the outer wrapper 16 and the first and second innersidewalls 30, 32 of the inner liner 24. The body portion 44 isconfigured to interconnect the first and second outer sidewalls 18, 20and the first and second inner sidewalls 30, 32, respectively. A firstconnecting flange 46 extends from the body portion 44 and is coupled tothe forward liner edge 34, and a second connecting flange 48 extendsfrom the body portion 44 and is coupled to the forward wrapper edge 22.The trim breaker 42 is configured to seal the insulating cavity 38. Thefirst and second connecting flanges 46, 48 extend outwardly from thebody portion 44 in a first direction, and a forward spacing flange 50extends outwardly from the body portion 44 in a second direction that isopposite the first direction. The forward spacing flange 50 contacts themullion assembly 40 and at least partially defines a receiving space 52between the mullion assembly 40 and the trim breaker 42.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cabinet assembly 10 is provided inan exemplary form that includes the cabinet 14, the outer wrapper 16, afirst door 70 and a second door 74. As shown, the first door 70 and thesecond door 74 are mounted to the cabinet 14 at the mullion assembly 40with at least a first hinge 78 and a second hinge 82, respectively. Thefirst door 70 and the second door 74 are opened and closed toselectively cover the access opening 36 and correspond with the firstand second compartments 26, 28, respectively. As illustrated, the firstand second doors 70, 74 and the first and second compartments 26, 28 maybe oriented as upper and lower doors and upper and lower compartments,respectively. However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for thecabinet 14 to include any suitable configuration, which may include asingle door, a plurality of doors, French doors, drawers, etc.Accordingly, the inner liner 24 may include any suitable configurationof interior compartments. In some aspects, the cabinet 14 may beconfigured as a cabinet 14 for use in refrigerating appliance 12, suchas a vacuum-insulated refrigerator. For example, in some instances, thefirst compartment 26 defines a refrigerated storage space, while thesecond compartment 28 defines a freezer storage space.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cabinet 14 includes the outer wrapper 16and inner liner 24. The outer wrapper 16 can be made of a metallicmaterial, (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.). The inner liner 24 can bedisposed or mounted within the outer wrapper 16, further defining aninterior 90 of the cabinet 14. The inner liner 24 may be attached,coupled, joined, or otherwise fastened to the outer wrapper 16 via anadhesive, insulating foam, bonding agent, mechanical fastener (e.g.,rivets, screws, etc.), or another comparable approach. In some aspects,the inner liner 24 includes the mullion assembly 40 or other partitionthat divides the inner liner 24 into the first compartment 26 and thesecond compartment 28. As such, the mullion assembly 40 may be disposedbetween the first compartment 26 and the second compartment 28 andextend across the access opening 36.

A cabinet reinforcing assembly may be coupled with the outer wrapper 16and/or the inner liner 24. For example, as illustrated, the reinforcingassembly may include a plurality of reinforcement brackets 58 disposedon the outer wrapper 16 that provide stiffening properties to thecabinet 14 for robust quality. The plurality of reinforcement brackets58 may include any suitable material, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum,steel, etc.), which may be welded, or otherwise fastened, to the outerwrapper 16. In some aspects, the plurality of reinforcement brackets 58may be in the form of strips, or sheets, of steel. One of the pluralityof reinforcement brackets 58 may be positioned across and/or on themullion assembly 40, as discussed in more detail elsewhere herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a trim breaker 42 may be positioned around theaccess opening 36. The trim breaker 42 may be constructed from polymers,plastics, or other like materials. It may be beneficial for the trimbreaker 42 to be made of a material that has at least some insulativeproperties. Additionally, it may be beneficial for the trim breaker 42to be made from a resilient of pliable material. The trim breaker 42 maybe coupled to the outer wrapper 16 and the inner liner 24 and, asdiscussed in more detail elsewhere herein.

As shown, FIG. 3 is directed to the illustrative first outer sidewall 18of the outer wrapper 16. The description with respect to the first outersidewall 18 also applies to the second outer sidewall 20. As shown, thefirst outer sidewall 18 includes a width, w_(s). One or more ofplurality of reinforcement brackets 58 may include a length that issimilar to, or approximately, the width, w_(s). In this way, one or moreof the plurality of reinforcement brackets 58 may extend along at least80% or more, or 90% or more, of the width, w_(s) of the first outersidewall 18. Two of the illustrative reinforcement brackets 58 arevertically spaced on the first outer sidewall 18 such that longitudinalaxes, L_(A), of the respective reinforcement brackets 58 aresubstantially parallel with one another. As illustrated, the pluralityof reinforcement brackets 58 includes an upper side section bracket 100.The upper side section bracket 100 may be positioned proximate an upperedge 104 of the first outer sidewall 18. In some examples, the upperside section bracket 100 is substantially rectangular. Additionally, theplurality of reinforcement brackets 58 may include an intermediatesection bracket 108. In some examples, the intermediate section bracket108 may have a T-shaped configuration (i.e. a T-bracket having an angledconfiguration between two portions of the bracket) and is positionedproximate the mullion assembly 40. As the description with respect tothe first outer sidewall 18 also applies to the second outer sidewall20, the cabinet 14 may include first and second upper side sectionbrackets 100 and first and second intermediate section brackets 108disposed on first and second outer sidewalls 18, 20, respectively.

Still referring to FIG. 3 illustrating the first outer sidewall 18, theouter sidewall 18 may include a curved lower edge 120 configured toaccommodate a machine compartment 124 thereunder. One of the pluralityof reinforcement brackets 58 may include a lower curved section 128 andan upper linear section 130, which may be vertically spaced from theupper side section bracket 100 and the intermediate section bracket 108.The lower curved section 128 may define a nonlinear configuration. Asillustrated, the curved section 128 extends along the curved lower edge120. In some aspects, the upper linear section 130 extends verticallyalong a rear edge 132 of the first outer sidewall 18 and the lowercurved section 128 curves along the curved lower edge 120 towards abottom edge 136 of the first outer sidewall 18. As the description withrespect to the first outer sidewall 18 also applies to the second outersidewall 20, the cabinet 14 may include first and second reinforcementbrackets 58 that extend along the curved lower edge 120 of the first andsecond outer sidewalls 18, 20.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a rear wall 138 of the cabinet 14 may includeone or more of the plurality of reinforcement brackets 58. As shown, therear wall 138 includes a width, w_(R). In some aspects, a pair ofvertically spaced and substantially parallel rear reinforcement brackets140 are disposed on the rear wall 138. The rear reinforcement brackets140 may be substantially rectangular and may extend along a portion ofthe width, w_(R). It is contemplated that the rear reinforcementbrackets 140 extend along at least 80% or more of the width, w_(R), oralong less than 80% of the width, w_(R). At least one of the rearreinforcement brackets 140 may be positioned proximate a curved lowerportion 144 of the rear wall 138, which is configured to accommodate themachine compartment 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cabinet 14 further includes a top wall150. The top wall 150 couples the first and second outer sidewalls 18,20 and the rear wall 138 at an upper end of the cabinet 14. As shown,the upper side section bracket 100 is positioned proximate the top wall150. In some examples, at least one reinforcement bracket 58 is definedas a top, or upper, reinforcement bracket 154 that is operably coupledto the rear wall 138 and the top wall 150. The illustrative topreinforcement bracket 154 includes a generally curved configuration thatmay wrap around at least a portion of the upper corner of the appliance12, but is not limited to such. It is also contemplated that the topreinforcement bracket 154 may include a generally 90° angle toaccommodate the edge between the top wall 150 and the rear wall 138.Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of reinforcement brackets 58may include a second top, or upper, reinforcement bracket 158 operablycoupled to the top wall 150 proximate the access opening 36. The firstand second top reinforcement brackets 154, 158 may include lengths of atleast 80% or more of the width, w_(R), which is generally the same widthas the top wall 150.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6B, an enlarged view of the cabinet 14 isillustrated proximate the hinges 78, 82 of the first and second doors70, 74. While the trim breaker 42 is illustrated and described withrespect to a position proximate the second outer sidewall 20, it will beunderstood that a similar and/or symmetric arrangement of brackets 58and the trim breaker 42 may be positioned proximate the first outersidewall 18.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the trim breaker 42 is coupledwith the inner liner 24 and the outer wrapper 16. As previouslyintroduced, the inner liner 24 is spaced-apart from the outer wrapper 16to define the insulating cavity 38. The forward wrapper edge 22 of theouter wrapper 16 and the forward liner edge 34 of the inner liner 24 maydefine a forward opening 84 in communication with the insulating cavity38. The trim breaker 42 is configured to cover the forward opening 84 toseal the insulating cavity 38 defined between the outer wrapper 16 andthe inner liner 24 and to form an insulation structure, which can besubstantially air-tight. In some examples, the insulating cavity 38defines a sealed space or gap between the outer wrapper 16 and the innerliner 24, which can be evacuated such that a pressure within theinsulating cavity 38 is less than a pressure outside of the cabinet 14and/or within the interior 90. The insulating cavity 38 may be evacuateduntil a pressure of about 1 mbar (0.1 kPa) is reached. In such examples,the insulation structure may be referred to as a vacuum-insulatedstructure. The term vacuum-insulated structure is not intended to referto an absolute vacuum. Rather, the term vacuum-insulated structure isintended to refer to a structure that has an internal pressure that isbelow atmospheric pressure. For example, the sealed insulating cavity 38may be under vacuum and less than about 50 kPa, less than about 20 kPa,less than about 5 kPa, greater than 0 kPa and/or combinations of rangesthereof. In various examples, the insulating cavity 38 is filled with aninsulative material (e.g. foam, beads, etc.) prior to the evacuation ofthe space or gap. Optionally, the insulating cavity 38 may be filledwith the insulative material rather than evacuating the space or gap. Inother words, the insulating cavity 38 may be configured to be in atleast a partial vacuum sealed state when the insulating cavity 38 isevacuated.

As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the trim breaker 42 includes the bodyportion 44 extending along at least a portion of the periphery of theaccess opening 36 of the cabinet 14 (FIG. 2). The body portion 44 ispositioned substantially perpendicular to the forward wrapper edge 22and the forward liner edge 34 and may have any width configured to coverthe forward opening 84. First and second connecting flanges 46, 48extend substantially perpendicularly from the body portion 44 andrearward toward the forward opening 84.

The first connecting flange 46 is positioned interior of the secondconnecting flange 48 and may extend a greater distance from the bodyportion 44 of the trim breaker 42 than the second connecting flange 48.The first connecting flange 46 defines a first slot 92 configured toreceive the forward liner edge 34. The forward liner edge 34 may beretained in the first slot 92 using, for example, an adhesive orfastener, or may be coupled by any other method with the firstconnecting flange 46 to couple the trim breaker 42 with the inner liner24.

The second connecting flange 48 is positioned exterior of andspaced-apart from the first connecting flange 46. The second connectingflange 48 defines a second slot 94 configured to receive the forwardwrapper edge 22. The second connecting flange 48 may be spaced from thefirst connecting flange 46 to align with the forward wrapper edge 22.Alternatively, the second connecting flange 48 may be pliable to couplewith the forward wrapper edge 22 or the outer wrapper 16 may be movableto couple with the second connecting flange 48. The forward wrapper edge22 may be retained in the second slot 94 using, for example, an adhesiveor fastener, or may be coupled by any other method with the secondconnecting flange 48 to couple the trim breaker 42 with the outerwrapper 16.

The trim breaker 42 may further include the spacing flange 50 extendingopposite the first and second connecting flanges 46, 48 forward of thecabinet assembly 10. The spacing flange 50 may be substantially alignedwith one of the first and second connecting flanges 46, 48 or thespacing flange 50 may be oriented between the first and secondconnecting flanges 46, 48. It will be understood that, while the firstand second connecting flanges 46, 48 and the spacing flange 50 areillustrated proximate the second outer sidewall 20 of the outer wrapper16, the trim breaker 42 may include a set of flanges 46, 48, 50proximate the first outer sidewall 18 on an opposing side of a mullionportion 86 of the trim breaker 42 and oriented to be symmetric with theflanges 46, 48, 50 proximate the second outer sidewall 20, as described,without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The mullionportion 86 of the trim breaker 42 may extend along a part of the mullionassembly 40 or the entirety of the mullion assembly 40 without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, each of theflanges 46, 48, 50 may be one of a pair of flanges disposed on opposingsides of the appliance 12 and spaced-apart by a mullion portion 86 ofthe trim breaker 42.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the first and second outer sidewalls 18, 20,the rear wall 138, and/or the top wall 150 of the outer wrapper 16 maybe configured as a singular piece. As illustrated, the outer wrapper 16may include grooves, or recessed portions 96, configured to receive oneor more of the plurality of reinforcement brackets 58. The recessedportions 96 may be disposed along any portion of the outer wrapper 16and inwardly extend from the outer surface of the outer wrapper 16. Therecessed portions 96 are dimensioned such that the correspondingreinforcement bracket 58 is closely received within the recessedportions 96. Accordingly, the recessed portions 96 may include shapesgenerally similar to the shapes of the corresponding reinforcementbracket 58.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-6B, with reference to the second outersidewall 20, the sidewall 20 may include a recessed portion 96 for oneof the intermediate section brackets 108 of the plurality ofreinforcement brackets 58. The recessed portion 96 may be incommunication with a forward recess 98 positioned proximate the forwardwrapper edge 22 of the outer wrapper 16. The forward recess 98 may berecessed further inward of the outer wrapper 16 than the recessedportion 96 and may extend the height of the cabinet assembly 10 or maybe defined proximate the mullion assembly 40. The trim breaker 42 may beshaped to complement the outer wrapper 16 and the forward recess 98 asit extends along the forward wrapper edge 22 of the outer wrapper 16.For example, as illustrated, the trim breaker 42 may include a curvedportion shaped to extend along the outer sidewall 20 where the outersidewall 20 defines the forward recess 98.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5-6B, a mounting plate, or mullionbrace 180, may be positioned at the mullion assembly 40 and may extendacross a portion or all of the mullion assembly 40. The mounting plate180 includes first and second transverse ends 184, 188, which arepositioned proximate the first and second outer sidewalls 18, 20,respectively, when assembled. Accordingly, the first and secondtransverse ends 184, 188 may be in the form of engagement portions,which may be coupled with respective intermediate section brackets 108positioned on the first and second outer sidewalls 18, 20 of the outerwrapper 16.

As previously discussed, the intermediate section brackets 108 of theplurality of reinforcement brackets 58 may include a T-shapedconstruction thereby defining a T-bracket. Each of the T-bracketintermediate section brackets 108 may include a forward corner 192configured to extend perpendicularly from the bracket 108 toward thecenter of the mullion assembly 40. Each forward corner 192 is configuredto align with and/or at least partially conceal or enclose therespective forward recess 98 defined in communication with therespective recessed portion 96. In various examples, the forward corner192 may at least partially contact one or both of the second connectingflange 48 and the spacing flange 50. In other examples, each forwardcorner 192 may be positioned to contact any portion of the trim breaker42 or may be spaced-apart from the trim breaker 42.

As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first and second transverse ends184, 188 may be positioned to overlap with and/or are coupled with theforward corner 192 of one of the intermediate section brackets 108. Inother words, the forward corner 192 of each of the intermediate sectionbrackets 108 may be at least partially overlapped by the first andsecond transverse ends 184, 188 of the mounting plate 180. The mountingplate 180 may be coupled with the intermediate section brackets 108using fasteners, adhesive, welding, or any other coupling method withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring still to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the spacing flange 50 of the trimbreaker 42 is positioned to contact the mounting plate 180. The spacingflange 50 is configured to space the mounting plate 180 away from themullion portion 86 of the trim breaker 42 to define the receiving space52 therebetween. The receiving space 52 may extend along a portion ofthe mullion assembly 40 or may extend the length of the mullion assembly40. When the insulating cavity 38 is sealed by the trim breaker 42, thereceiving space 52 is defined forward of and separate from theinsulating cavity 38.

As illustrated with regard to the second hinge 82, the first and secondhinges 78, 82 may be coupled with the mounting plate 180 by a pluralityof fasteners 202 extending through the bracket 180 and into thereceiving space 52. In various examples, the mounting plate 180 maydefine a plurality of through-holes 204 configured to receive theplurality of fasteners 202. While only the second hinge 82 isillustrated, it will be understood that both the first and second hinges78, 82 may be coupled with the mounting plate 180 by one or more of theplurality of fasteners 202. It will further be understood that theplurality of fasteners 202 may extend through the mounting plate 180into the receiving space 52, through the mounting plate 180 and theforward corner 192 of the respective intermediate section bracket 108into the forward recess 98, and/or any combination thereof. Thefasteners 202 may be screws, bolts, or any other fastener configured tobe received by the plurality of through-holes to couple the respectivehinge 78, 82 with the mounting plate 180. The extension of the fasteners202 into the receiving space 52 and/or the forward recess 98 isconfigured to prevent puncture and/or damage to the insulting cavity 38.In other words, the trim breaker 42 may be jogged to provide space tomount the first and second hinges 78, 82. Thus, the first and secondhinges 78, 82 can be positioned exterior of the cabinet 14 withoutpuncturing and/or affecting the seal of the insulating cavity 38.

According to one aspect, a refrigerating appliance may include a cabinetassembly having an outer wrapper with opposing first and second outersidewalls and a forward wrapper edge. The cabinet assembly may furtherinclude an inner liner having opposing first and second inner sidewallsand a forward liner edge. The forward liner edge may define an accessopening, and the inner liner is positioned interior of and spaced-apartfrom the outer wrapper to define an insulating cavity therebetween. Amullion assembly may extend across the access opening. A trim breakermay extend about the access opening and may include a body portioninterconnecting the first and second outer sidewalls of the outerwrapper and the first and second inner sidewalls of the inner liner,respectively. The trim breaker may further include first and secondconnecting flanges extending outwardly from the body portion of the trimbreaker in a first direction and operably coupled to the forward lineredge and the forward wrapper edge, respectively, such that the trimbreaker seals the insulating cavity. The trim breaker may include aforward spacing flange extending outwardly from the body portion of thetrim breaker in a second direction that is opposed to the firstdirection of the first and second connecting flanges. The forwardspacing flange may contact the mullion assembly and at least partiallydefines a receiving space between the mullion assembly and the trimbreaker.

According to another aspect, a refrigerating appliance may include adoor hingedly coupled to a cabinet assembly by at least one hinge. Theat least one hinge may be operably coupled to a mullion assembly by aplurality of fasteners.

According to another aspect, a mullion assembly may include a mountingplate configured to support a hinge and extending at least partiallyalong the mullion assembly.

According to another aspect, a plurality of fasteners may be at leastpartially received by a receiving space.

According to another aspect, an outer wrapper may include a recessedportion disposed on one of opposing first and second outer sidewalls ofan outer wrapper.

According to another aspect, a refrigerating appliance may include abracket disposed at least partially along a mullion assembly. Thebracket may be received within a recessed portion of an outer wrapper.

According to another aspect, a forward spacing flange may define a firstforward spacing flange positioned proximate a first outer sidewall. Atrim breaker may include a second forward spacing flange positionedproximate a second outer sidewall.

According to another aspect, an insulating cavity may be an airtightcavity having an internal pressure of less than 50 kPa.

According to another aspect, a refrigerating appliance may include anouter wrapper having a forward wrapper edge. An inner liner may definefirst and second compartments and may have a forward liner edge. Theforward liner edge may define an access opening in communication withthe first and second compartments. The inner liner may be spaced-apartfrom the outer wrapper to define an insulating cavity therebetween. Amullion assembly may be disposed between the first and secondcompartments of the inner liner and extending across the access openingof the inner liner. A trim breaker may extend about the access openingand seals the insulating cavity. The trim breaker may include aconnecting flange coupled to one of the forward liner edge and theforward wrapper edge. The trim breaker may further include a spacingflange extending forward of the connecting flange to contact the mullionassembly and may at least partially define a receiving space between themullion assembly and the trim breaker.

According to another aspect, an outer wrapper may include a recessedportion in communication with a forward recess.

According to another aspect, a refrigerating appliance may include areinforcement bracket coupled with an outer wrapper and having a forwardcorner. The reinforcement bracket may be received in a recessed portion.

According to another aspect, a forward corner of a reinforcement bracketmay abut a spacing flange and may at least partially conceal a forwardrecess.

According to another aspect, a mullion assembly may include a mountingplate operably coupled with a forward corner of a reinforcement bracket.

According to another aspect, a cabinet assembly for a refrigeratingappliance may include an inner liner having a forward liner edge. Theforward liner edge may define an access opening. An outer wrapper may bedisposed around the inner liner and may have a forward wrapper edge. Theouter wrapper may be spaced-apart from the inner liner to define aninsulating cavity therebetween. A mullion assembly may extend across theaccess opening. A trim breaker may extend about the access opening andmay be coupled to the forward wrapper edge and the forward liner edge toseal the insulating cavity. The trim breaker may include a spacingflange positioned to contact the mullion assembly to define a receivingspace between the trim breaker and the mullion assembly.

According to another aspect, an insulating cavity may be incommunication with a forward opening defined by a forward wrapper edgeand a forward liner edge.

According to another aspect, a trim breaker may include a body portionpositioned to cover a forward opening and seal an insulating cavity. Thetrim breaker may include first and second connecting flanges extendingoutwardly from the body portion. The first connecting flange may becoupled to a forward liner edge and the second connecting flange may becoupled to a forward wrapper edge.

According to another aspect, a spacing flange may extend in an opposedconfiguration relative to first and second connecting flanges.

According to another aspect, a mullion assembly may include a mountingplate extending at least partially along the mullion assembly. Themounting plate may contact a spacing flange.

According to another aspect, a spacing flange may be one of a pair ofspacing flanges positioned on opposing ends of a mullion assembly.

According to another aspect, a cabinet assembly may include a doorconfigured to at least partially seal an access opening. The door may beoperably coupled with a mullion assembly by a hinge. The hinge may beoperably coupled with the mullion assembly by a plurality of fastenersextending at least partially into a receiving space.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

1. A refrigerating appliance, comprising: a cabinet assembly having anouter wrapper with opposing first and second outer sidewalls and aforward wrapper edge, wherein the cabinet assembly further includes aninner liner having opposing first and second inner sidewalls and aforward liner edge, wherein the forward liner edge defines an accessopening, and further wherein the inner liner is positioned interior ofand spaced-apart from the outer wrapper to define an insulating cavitytherebetween; a mullion assembly extending across the access opening;and a trim breaker extending about the access opening, wherein the trimbreaker includes a body portion interconnecting the first and secondouter sidewalls of the outer wrapper and the first and second innersidewalls of the inner liner, respectively, and wherein the trim breakerfurther includes first and second connecting flanges extending outwardlyfrom the body portion of the trim breaker in a first direction andoperably coupled to the forward liner edge and the forward wrapper edge,respectively, such that the trim breaker seals the insulating cavity,and further wherein the trim breaker includes a forward spacing flangeextending outwardly from the body portion of the trim breaker in asecond direction that is opposed to the first direction of the first andsecond connecting flanges, and further wherein the forward spacingflange contacts the mullion assembly and at least partially defines areceiving space between the mullion assembly and the trim breaker. 2.The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a doorhingedly coupled to the cabinet assembly by at least one hinge, whereinthe at least one hinge is operably coupled to the mullion assembly by aplurality of fasteners.
 3. The refrigerating appliance of claim 2,wherein the mullion assembly includes a mounting plate configured tosupport the hinge and extending at least partially along the mullionassembly.
 4. The refrigerating appliance of claim 2, wherein theplurality of fasteners are at least partially received by the receivingspace.
 5. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the outerwrapper includes a recessed portion disposed on one of the opposingfirst and second outer sidewalls of the outer wrapper.
 6. Therefrigerating appliance of claim 5, including: a bracket disposed atleast partially along the mullion assembly, wherein the bracket isreceived within the recessed portion of the outer wrapper.
 7. Therefrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the forward spacing flangedefines a first forward spacing flange positioned proximate the firstouter sidewall, and further wherein the trim breaker includes a secondforward spacing flange positioned proximate the second outer sidewall.8. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the insulating cavityis an airtight cavity having an internal pressure of less than 50 kPa.9. A refrigerating appliance, comprising: an outer wrapper having aforward wrapper edge; an inner liner defining first and secondcompartments and having a forward liner edge, wherein the forward lineredge defines an access opening in communication with the first andsecond compartments, and further wherein the inner liner is spaced-apartfrom the outer wrapper to define an insulating cavity therebetween; amullion assembly disposed between the first and second compartments ofthe inner liner and extending across the access opening of the innerliner; and a trim breaker extending about the access opening and sealingthe insulating cavity, wherein the trim breaker includes a connectingflange coupled to one of the forward liner edge and the forward wrapperedge, wherein the trim breaker further includes a spacing flangeextending forward of the connecting flange to contact the mullionassembly and at least partially defines a receiving space between themullion assembly and the trim breaker.
 10. The refrigerating applianceof claim 9, wherein the outer wrapper includes a recessed portion incommunication with a forward recess.
 11. The refrigerating appliance ofclaim 10, including: a reinforcement bracket coupled with the outerwrapper and having a forward corner, wherein the reinforcement bracketis received in the recessed portion.
 12. The refrigerating appliance ofclaim 11, wherein the forward corner of the reinforcement bracket abutsthe spacing flange and at least partially conceals the forward recess.13. The refrigerating appliance of claim 11, wherein the mullionassembly includes a mounting plate operably coupled with the forwardcorner of the reinforcement bracket.
 14. A cabinet assembly for arefrigerating appliance, comprising: an inner liner having a forwardliner edge, wherein the forward liner edge defines an access opening; anouter wrapper disposed around the inner liner and having a forwardwrapper edge, wherein the outer wrapper is spaced-apart from the innerliner to define an insulating cavity therebetween; a mullion assemblyextending across the access opening; and a trim breaker extending aboutthe access opening and coupled to the forward wrapper edge and theforward liner edge to seal the insulating cavity, wherein the trimbreaker includes a spacing flange positioned to contact the mullionassembly to define a receiving space between the trim breaker and themullion assembly.
 15. The cabinet assembly of claim 14, wherein theinsulating cavity is in communication with a forward opening defined bythe forward wrapper edge and the forward liner edge.
 16. The cabinetassembly of claim 15, wherein the trim breaker includes a body portionpositioned to cover the forward opening and seal the insulating cavity,wherein the trim breaker includes first and second connecting flangesextending outwardly from the body portion, and further wherein the firstconnecting flange is coupled to the forward liner edge and the secondconnecting flange is coupled to the forward wrapper edge.
 17. Thecabinet assembly of claim 16, wherein the spacing flange extends in anopposed configuration relative to the first and second connectingflanges.
 18. The cabinet assembly of claim 14, wherein the mullionassembly includes a mounting plate extending at least partially alongthe mullion assembly, and further wherein the mounting plate contactsthe spacing flange.
 19. The cabinet assembly of claim 14, wherein thespacing flange is one of a pair of spacing flanges positioned onopposing ends of the mullion assembly.
 20. The cabinet assembly of claim14, wherein the cabinet assembly further includes a door configured toat least partially seal the access opening, wherein the door is operablycoupled with the mullion assembly by a hinge, and further wherein thehinge is operably coupled with the mullion assembly by a plurality offasteners extending at least partially into the receiving space.